JEFFERSON, N.C. – A Jefferson man died in Ashe County on Sunday night after crashing into a tree, causing his vehicle to catch on fire, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at around 9:45 p.m.
The driver, identified as 58-year-old Randy Thomas Pennington, was traveling on Low Gap Road near Noel Drive. Pennington, operating a Honda Pilot, drove off the right side of the road and struck a tree before the vehicle caught on fire, officials said.
Pennington died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Officials said that speed and impairment are not believed to be contributing factors in the crash.
